Disarming Britain <DisarmingBritain>
"Guns and knives - your views"
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 | Disarming Britain update | 479 days ago | ||
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| Thank you for being part of this Channel 4 Disarming Britain community and visiting the profiles of Jess, Adrian and Sushil. The Season has now finished and this page is now closed for comments, but the debate on street weapons is continuing across lots of other Bebo sites so why not go and have your say there: It Doesn’t Have to Happen: http://www.bebo.com/itdoesnthavetohappen Stop Gun and Knife Crime in the UK: http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?Memb... Stop Knife Crime: http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?Memb... If you or someone you know has been affected by street crime then you can you can also call Victim Support in confidence on 0845 30 30 900 or visit them on www.victimsupport.com. Thanks again to everyone for being part of this inspiring Channel 4 community. We’ll be back, so watch this space and we’ll be in touch again to hear your views. | ||||
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| New funding for anti-crime youth initiatives | 486 days ago | ||
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| Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced £700,000 in funding for three youth projects steering young people away from gun and knife crime in the Capital. The Mayor made the announcement while visiting the Brixton Road Youth Centre, which is managed by young people - the former centre, The Vassal Youth Centre, closed down in 2007 due to mismanagement by adults. Mayor Boris Johnson said: These projects are perfect examples of the youth initiatives we desperately need across London to engage young people. They offer guidance, information and most importantly steer young people away from the lure of gangs and criminal activity. Tackling youth crime is complex and there are no magic solutions but I am determined to make London a safer city for everyone, including young people, who are frequently victims of crime. As well as more targeted policing efforts, to combat these issues we need strong community projects, which are relevant and interesting to young people and schemes that widen their horizons as well as raise their aspirations. * ‘Calling the Shots’ will receive £200,000 funding over one year for its work with 16-19 year olds who are at risk of becoming involved in youth violence. * ‘Watch Over Me’ is a project aimed at teenagers that uses educational DVDs and teaching materials in schools, youth groups and community groups to raise the issues of gun crime, drugs, knives and general safety. It will receive £110,000. * The Kids Task Force ‘Miss Dorothy.com’ primary school initiative will receive £400,000 for work with schools from 2008-09. The projects will be funded by the Metropolitan Police ‘as part of their commitment in partnership with the Mayor of London to cut crime and make London safer for young people’, said a spokesperson. | ||||
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| Do you carry a weapon? | 491 days ago | ||
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| The Sun newspaper's reported that one in five teens admit to carrying a weapon - far more than Government figures claim. A survey carried out by Portsmouth University revealed that nineteen per cent of the 14 and 15-year-olds polled admitted being armed in the past year. But Home Office stats released last week said only one in 16 carried weapons. In the latest poll, 60 per cent said they did it for protection. Just 20 of the 1,426 youngsters questioned admitted they carried a weapon to attack. One per cent said they had them only in lessons and 5.1 per cent said they did it both inside and outside school. Some 71 per cent felt safer in school than out. Prof Carol Hayden, who led the study, told the Sun: "It provides some reassurance on the majority while raising concern over a minority." What do you think about this latest study? Why not have your say over on the comments board. | ||||
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| Postcode prosecutions? | 494 days ago | ||
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| The Times casts doubt on the government’s drive towards tougher policing. According to figures obtained by the newspaper under the Freedom of Information Act, up to half of all people aged 18 and above who are caught in possession of a knife receive a police caution instead of being prosecuted. This apparently flies in the face of government’s expectations that carry a knife (almost) automatically means prosectution. However, there are big differences across the country. In London, for instance, the charge rate is 90% compared to about 50% in Bedfordshire. Why? Because sometimes, particularly in areas where knife crime is relatively rare, police believe that a caution is sufficient to stop the problem. Full details in the report here - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new... | ||||
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| Fancy dress at Kinsella funeral | 495 days ago | ||
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| Friends of stab victim Ben Kinsella celebrated his life by turning up to his funeral wearing fancy dress on Friday. Many people wore colourful wigs and large sunglasses as they paid their last respects to Ben, 16, who was stabbed in north London last month. Others attending the service at the church in Islington, north London, wore T-shirts bearing anti-knife slogans. About 1,000 people, including the local MP and TV actors, attended the service. Ben’s sister, former EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella, 24, said: “Please, please let us learn from Ben and every other child that has been stolen from us.” Ben’s close friend Brooke Dunford, 16, said: “He wouldn’t have wanted everyone to wear black.” Outside the church she laid a bunch of flowers with a note which read: The most saddest day of my life, Ben, when I lost you. I will hold you in my heart forever, I love you, you hottie. Former EastEnders actresses Gillian Taylforth and Michelle Ryan and MP for Islington North Jeremy Corbyn were among those present at the funeral. Also in attendance was Richard Taylor, whose 10-year-old son Damilola was stabbed to death with broken glass in November 2000 in Peckham, south east London. A website and charity have also been set up in Ben’s memory, with funds going to teen weapons awareness campaigns. Source: BBC | ||||
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| New laws, new solutions? | 501 days ago | ||
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| With the death of seven more people from stabbing over the past few days, pressure has been mounting on the government to announce new measures. more about “Channel 4 - News - Calls to tackle gu…“, posted with vodpod And indeed home secretary Jacqui Smith will announce tougher policies over the next couple of days, including - it is reported - compulsory visits to A&E wards for young people caught carrying a knife. Does that strike you as an imaginative and effective tactic? | ||||
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| Teen Nation Music Showcase - in aid of Mothers Against Guns | 506 days ago | ||
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| Teen Nation Showcase in aid of Mothers Against Guns Student Rebecca Williams went along to the Teen Nation Showcase at North Finchley’s Art Depot on Saturday, a show in aid of Mothers Against Guns. Here’s her report: …. .. .. "Sharina, 21, who works at the Art Depot told me:…. .. .. ” Generations are changing. Eight-year-old kids don’t want Barbie dolls and Action Men anymore. The kids of today are mind trained and programmed to think a certain way, almost as if they are one person. If youth clubs were given long term funding, the workers, most of whom are voluntary, would be able to work more closely with youth and introduce more engaging projects that will keep them busy.” .. .. .. .. I also had a chance to interview some of the performers:…. .. .. JP, 21, who describes himself as a “positive rapper” has been using his music to communicate the consequences of gun and knife crime. He won Best Male UK unsigned MC at the Soul Bruva’s UKSoul Awards. …. .. .. Rachel, 17, a singer currently studying performing arts, lost her friend Kiyan Prince two years ago. Kiyan, 15, a budding Queen Park Rangers footballer, was stabbed to death only yards from his school gates in North West London….. .. .. Kwesi, 20 is a rapper who was found in possession of a knife….. .. .. RMW:What personal experience do you have of gun and knife crime?…. Rachel: I lost my friend of four years, Kiyan to knife crime. JP: I haven’t witnessed anyone get stabbed but I’ve known of people that have been stabbed of shot. Kwesi: I’ve been arrested before and served time in jail for carrying a blade. My cousin who is 21 has been stabbed before and is currently serving time now for carrying a weapon. RMW: Kwesi, why did you carry a weapon? …. Kwesi: At the time it was hectic in the streets. I feel stupid now for doing it, but I did it for protection. When you’re that age you do some stupid things. .. .. RMW: What’s your take on the media coverage surrounding the issue of gun and knife crime?…. JP: I think gun and knife crime has always been really bad but it’s only now that the media are picking up on it. I think Fallout (recent drama aired on Channel 4) sent out a positive message and was realistic. I mean, you can look at someone the wrong way and they get offended. Some people even hate on you because of what you wear or have. Kwesi: I thought Fallout was stupid. It showed police as being corrupt and the only black police officer as being crooked. What kind of message is that sending out? .. .. RMW: What do you think are the causes of gun and knife crime?…. Rachel: Young people can order knives from the internet now without it even being regulated. I think some people who grow up in estates find themselves deprived and isolated from society and turn to crime not always because they want to but have to. Kwesi: Peer pressure as well. When your friends are egging you on you feel like you have to otherwise they see you as weak. You have to be strong minded not to listen though. JP: There are parental issues where the mum or dad don’t know where their kids are or who they’re with. Not having a father figure around when you’re growing up doesn’t necessarily mess up a child ‘cos I didn’t have a dad around me when I was growing up and I turned out fine. I think a lot of the older generation are influencing the younger kids. They should be guiding them down the right path. I’ve got 2 younger brothers and I’m scared for them growing up in this world as it is now. I’m trying to send out a positive message but Channel U rejected my music video Diary of a Broken Man. RMW: Why do you think they did that?…. JP: Because it was sending out a positive message. .. .. RMW: Is there a solution to gun and knife crime?…. Kwesi: I don’t think there is a solution. People talk about community centres being the answer but most people just go there to jam. Community centres if they’re going to work need to keep the youth busy. JP: Instead of building loads of flats, more prisons and community centres should be built. If a sentence is given as life then that person should serve life, not half of their sentence and let out on parole. I think if you’re caught with a knife you should go straight to prison. If you’re let off on a warning who’s to say a life won’t be lost? .. .. Up and coming artist Teezy, 19, from North London gave me a few minutes of his time to discuss the current situation of gun and knife crime in the UK and what he’s doing to try and reduce the current spate of murders in the capital. …. .. .. RMW: What experience have you had of gun and knife crime?…. Teezy: I lost my friend Tyke. He was only 15 and bricked to death. Even though he wasn’t knifed or gunned down, he was brutally murdered with a weapon. If people can’t get hold of a gun or a knife, believe me they’ll find a weapon just as dangerous. .. .. RMW: What’s your opinion on the current situation of gun and knife crime in the UK? …. Teezy: Some people who live in the estates have nothing to do. I think a lot comes down to where they’re from. Stop and search can be good but it depends on how the police go about doing it. A lot of people are to scared to do their own thing and be an individual. .. .. RMW: Where you influenced by gang culture when you were growing up?…. Teezy: I was surrounded by it but not influenced by it. Discipline is key. I grew up in a Christian household. But I know people whose parents are really strict but they still disobey them. Fallout was so true. I’ve been chased before by a group of boys for no reason. Young people need to take responsibility for themselves. .. .. RMW: Tell me about your new single Take Your Shoes off….. Teezy: It’s released on August 4th. It’s basically a feel good track that’s about dancing. The message I’m trying to tell my peers that they need to come off the streets and get onto the dance floor. Reclaim and enjoy your youth. I’m not about cursing in my music or glamorising gang culture or anything like that. .. .. RMW: Do you think there is an answer to gun and knife crime?…. Teezy: Definately. Me. I hang around with loads of different people and have a strong following. Some girls may just think I’m cute but I’m still sending the right message. I wear bright colours. No bandanas. It’s about gaining respect because you are an individual. .. .. RMW: You say that you are the answer to gun and knife crime. How? What are you specifically doing to help tackle the issue?…. Teezy: 2Free Mobi- a free internet-based helpline for youths via their mobile. Through this I’ll be able to bridge the gap between the youth and the government. It’s a way of keeping youth engaged by speaking a language they understand and can relate to. It’s kept fresh and current. It offers loads of different services. There’s 24-hour counselling for anyone who may have a worry about or has been affected by gun or knife crime or any other issue. There’s also a section called Question Time where young people can pose questions to those in power about issues that affect them. These questions will go to an organisation that will answer and address their concerns. Young people can use these services free on their mobiles even if they don’t have credit. I, like many of my peers, just want to bring peace in the streets amongst young" | ||||
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| Fallout - the actor's point of view | 506 days ago | ||
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| While it’s been a tad quiet on the DB blog and socnets of late, we haven’t gone away. The debate still goes on. So, to today. First up, an adaptation of Roy William’s play Fallout hit C4 screens last week. And here, Lanre Malaolu talks about what it was like to play Kwame, the victim of knife crime in the drama. "Kwame Abena: A boy who was always happy, a boy who was always positive, a boy who loved his friends and family, a boy who had burning ambition. A boy who had his life prematurely cut short after he was killed in a violent knife attack. Yes, it’s true that Kwame was a fictional character but from this role shines a light of truth about societal problems in Britain today, with the growing problem of gun and knife crime among young people. Kwame’s character is a reflection of the many young boys who have died on our streets and closely associated with the Stephen Lawrence and Damilola Taylor tragedies. You can probably understand from this the amount of pressure I felt playing such a powerful role. My character represents all the innocent boys that have died at the hands of young boys with knives. This meant that I had to capture the raw emotion and innocence of the character in those few minutes. If I failed to do this then the film would loose its emotional grip and power. However, in many ways I felt privileged to play such a powerful character. This is because I knew that it would be a challenge to capture the audience in such a short amount of time. I also knew that all the mothers out there would be looking on me to portray the happy and positive image of their lost son. I think that a lack of hope, ambition, trust and love are the four main elements to why these young people go out with knives destroying other people’s lives. I’m sure there are many other reasons why I.e. the environment they have grown up in. But I truly feel that these elements are the foundation to all human beings and without them, problems start to arise. Most of these kids are scared; scared of not becoming something in their lives, scared of not gaining a sense of respect, scared of not fitting in. So turn to a life in which they can gain all of this by carrying a weapon and doing half as much as it takes for a person to do things the right way. We need continue to battle this crisis but need to go about it in the right way. Random stop and searches and tighter laws on handling knives will work to a certain extent. However we need to make sure that we try and change their mentality. I think that is the key. We need to also nurture our young ones, trying to teach them the right ways while they still can learn. I personally think that Channel 4’s Fallout should have been put out as a feature film in cinemas around Britain. Fallout gained over one million viewers but I believe the messages in the film were so powerful and need to reach a wider audience. Cinema release would have been the best way to do this. If there is still a chance for this to be done I would be behind it 100% It’s been a privilege to be involved in such an influential project.” Lanre Malaolu | ||||
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| Disarming Britain - have your say | 509 days ago | ||
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| Tomorrow at 7pm Jon Snow will front a live debate on the culture of street weapons. If you’d like to contribute your point of view to the programme, email streetweapons@channel4.com | ||||
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| Teen Nation Music Showcase LDN | 509 days ago | ||
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| Rebecca Monique Williams has been hard at work at the Arts Depot, North Finchley tonight. She’s been taking in the sounds of up-and-coming artists at the Teen Nation Music Showcase LDN, in aid of Mothers Against Guns. “The performers were trying to send out a positive message,” she said. Check back soon for her reports and interviews. | ||||
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